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EPA: Wisconsin's Air Pollution Level at 30-Year Low
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/23/2014

Sustained efforts by manufacturers, utilities and the transportation industry to reduce fine particle pollution achieved a long-sought victory this week as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha counties in compliance with all federal air quality standards.

Tuesday's approval, certifying compliance with the 2006 federal fine particle air standard, represents an important public health achievement and puts businesses in the region on a more competitive footing. For the state as a whole, the new designation certifies that Wisconsin's air is cleaner than at any time in the past three decades.

"Wisconsin has a long legacy of environmental stewardship and thanks to continued collaboration among our citizens, businesses and government, we've achieved an important milestone in air quality," said State DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "On Earth Day, we are reminded that we all have a responsibility to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment. Our continued progress ensures a better world for future generations."

Bart Sponseller, director of the air management bureau with DNR, said the state's own air quality monitors have shown the three counties to be in compliance since 2010. Emission reductions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and fine particles resulted in the improvement.

While the EPA ruling will not lift current restrictions on gasoline blends and industry emissions, larger facilities will no longer have to undergo the more rigorous new construction permitting required in nonattainment areas. The facilities will now follow the same permitting processes required in the rest of the state, expanding the region's economic competitiveness.


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